Here's the second part of the fascinating story behind a pre-pilot study coming out of Otago – one that seeks to provide New Zealand’s homes with a Gardenstar rating for the biodiversity of their property.

Who is your favourite fictional bird? We've got the results from our recent poll...

Here are four bird-themed recipes you may want to try in the warm twilight hours ahead…

We’re starting to wonder… Will a penguin EVER win Bird of the Year? It looks increasingly less likely even as the Bird of the Year election goes from strength to strength. We discussed the kororā’s chances of victory with Dr Philippa Agnew of the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.

Taking care of the local birds is a great way to keep pets (without really keeping them). Forget vet bills, hair on the couch, hours of grooming, disgruntled neighbours, terrified mailmen etc. Instead simply enjoy all the antics, character and beauty from the comfort of a deck or garden chair.

As insects form a natural part of the omnivore’s diet, feeding two to five crickets each day is a natural way to diversify food offerings.

Five birds New Zealand has taken under our wing.

After all the celebrity-making antics of the recent Bird Of The Year competition we started thinking back over other birds that have hogged the spotlight over the years. Here are our favourite five…